Pressing into the promises

Peter tells us, that His exceedingly great and precious promises are what allow us to participate in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). But they are not automatic, we have to “press in” to them. We are in a war to the death with the enemy of our souls, and he will do everything he can to divert us from this our inheritance. I always used to wonder what Christians were talking about when they mentioned pressing in. I think it’s best explained by an example. Jacob pressed in to the Lord the night that he knew his brother was coming against him with 400 armed men. The Scripture tells us that he wrestled with God until daybreak. The thing that stands out to me in the story is the phrase “I will not let you go until you bless me” (Genesis 32:26). This is pressing in!

The parable of the unjust judge comes to mind (Luke 18:1-4). He gave the widow what she needed because she wore him out with her persistence. So if we press in,that is keep on asking “Will not God who is good do far more than the unjust judge?” There are two types of promises in the Bible, the first are the unconditional sovereign promises of God. For example “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 ). You may not however always feel His presence. Feelings of course are unreliable, but since He has promised never to leave us, He is always there. Pressing in for this kind of promise, has to do with choosing to believe in spite of the circumstances. It is about reminding ourselves that He is not a man that He should lie (numbers 23:19), it is about standing and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:13).

The second type are those that have a condition that needs to be fulfilled before they can be legally claimed. For example “If you abide in My word ... you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8: 31, 32). This particular promise is often presented as a statement of fact, that truth will automatically set you free. But is is not true, if that were the case the truth of the gospel would set the whole word free. The condition here, is about being a serious disciple. The word essentially means learner, and abiding in His Word is about receiving it, it is about being a serious obedient ongoing student of the Word. When we do this we will know and experience Him who is both the Truth and the Word (John 14:6; 1:1), and as we continue to press in, in this way, He will progressively set us free.

Father, the battle to believe is especially difficult when the fulfillment is delayed. But You always have a purpose in the delay, and it’s all about character polishing and strengthening our faith. I am reminded what Patricia King said that she would rather appear before You on that day with the question “Why didn’t You come through for me,” than for You to ask her “Why did you give up?” We need your grace to stand Lord, and having done all to stand. I know Lord, that clinging to your promises is the way to grow, it is the way on that day to hear Your commendation “Well done good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Lord.” This is what I want more than anything else Lord. I can’t do it without You, but with You with me, all things are possible. And for this I give You honour and glory and praise again this morning Lord in Jesus Name Amen